Eleanor and the South Beach Murders

Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery #2

by Ellen Yardley

For fans of Colleen Cambridge, S.K. Golden, Jacqueline Winspear, and Ashley Weaver, a brilliant 1950s Cold War historical mystery featuring the former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s indispensable assistant as an equally resourceful sleuth. As the duo become entangled in a deadly international mystery connected to famous performer Josephine Baker, can Kay trust her own instincts before it’s too late?

Miami, 1951. With a flurry of UN engagements bringing Mrs. Roosevelt to vibrant South Beach, Kay Thompson is thrilled to escape the post-Christmas blues in Washington, DC—and distance herself from the sting of her recent breakup with private investigator Tim O’Malley. The dizzying sights and sounds of Miami reach their peak at the Copa City Club, where a late-night meeting with singer Josephine Baker reveals a troubling Baker’s bold stand against segregation has made her a target.

Josephine dismisses the threats. But Rosaleen—her cautious young assistant with big dreams—is deeply afraid. That’s why it’s a stunning shock when a dead man turns up in Josephine’s dressing room and Rosaleen is the one arrested for his murder. Determined to exonerate her new friend, Kay realizes it will mean facing conspiracies and prejudices that reach into the darkest corners of American society still haunted by the horrors of World War II.

Now, tangled in a high-stakes murder case with lives and legacies on the line, Kay joins forces with Mrs. Roosevelt and her former flame to confront the sinister forces lurking just beneath Miami’s glittering Art Deco surface. But when a killer’s scheme comes into sharp focus, Kay must act swiftly in a quest for justice that proves far more dangerous than she ever bargained for . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Mystery Thriller

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The former First Lady and her secretary investigate murder involving the sultry singer, Josephine Baker, in 1950’s Miami. My first jaunt into Ellen Yardley’s writing was delightful in the decadence of historical detail, engaging characters, and a suspenseful cozy mystery plot.

Eleanor and the South Beach Murders, standalone capable, but second in the series, introduced me to young, yet capable Kay, secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt who is in town for a UN conference. Eleanor Roosevelt chooses not to retire from public life, but use her clout to fight for equality and justice and Kay is tickled to be part of it all, if temporarily, particularly when it gets her away from frigid NYC in winter and a recent breakup.

Not long after their arrival, Eleanor and Kay get invited by the great Josephine Baker herself to a non-segregated (at Josephine’s insistence) night club performance and a sit-down between the two great ladies after. Kay is much taken with not just Josephine and her amazing past from poverty to fame, fighting against racial injustice, but her equally strong-willed secretary, Rosaleen.

Next thing she knows, Kay is helping Eleanor once again solve a murder. This time a locked-room mystery when a murder happens in Josephine’s dressing room and Rosaleen is pinned for the crime. Kay’s recent ex, a private detective is called in to help. Threatening letters, volatile KKK activity, Miami’s seamier side, and Kay is in deadly danger once again.

Eleanor and the South Beach Murders brings the early 1950’s to life- the era of McCarthyism, segregation and civil rights, women’s struggles, Miami glamourous beach and night club scenes, and real-life historical figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker.

Kay, the central figure is well written and well placed in the midst of this historical setting. I enjoyed seeing her and Tim O’Malley working the case together along with Eleanor and was more focused on the historical backdrop and characters than the mystery thought that was equally good.

Glamourous yet gritty, Eleanor and the South Beach Murders was retro, chic, and clever.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Quill Ink 2.19.26.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, add in a murder in the dressing room of famed entertainer Josephine Baker, and set this splendid histfic mystery in 1950s South Beach, along with a stellar cover that captures it all. A winner!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor and the South Beach Murders is an intriguing mystery, weaving historical events and a fictional mystery. The story features Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker and details many accurate historical events involving the two. It includes the fictional characters of Kay and Rosaleen, assistants to Eleanor and Josephine respectively. The author does a great job of weaving together actual events and a fictional murder mystery, for which Rosaleen is charged. Eleanor and Kay work together to attempt to solve the mystery, and prove Rosaleen’s innocence. With plenty of twists, this is a fun and easy read.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Mrs. Roosevelt and her temporary secretary, Kay Thompson, travel to Miami for an important UN Conference. Kay is trying to put her breakup with private investigator Tim O’Malley behind her. Eleanor and Kay are excited to take in the sights and sounds of South Beach and attend a late-night performance of Josephine Baker at the Copa City Club. It is after the show that they learn that Josephine Baker’s fight against segregation and racism has brought numerous death threats. Baker has traveled to war-ridden areas over the years and has no fear of the threats, but her assistant, Rosaleen Davis, thinks they need to be taken seriously and asks for Mrs. Roosevelt’s help. Everyone is surprised when a man is found dead in Josephine’s dressing room, and her assistant is jailed for his murder.

Now Josephine is asking for Eleanor’s help, and Kay commits to working with her, even though it means working with her ex, Tim O’Malley. There is more going on in Miami than meets the eye. Kay’s drive to clear Rosaleen’s name could make her the killer’s next target. Will Eleanor and Kay survive their quest to find the real killer?

Eleanor Roosevelt and Kay Thompson have gotten comfortable working together. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is a true force, working hard in all the right ways. Political figure, diplomat, activist, and advocate for human rights. In 1951, she is a United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, playing a leading role. Kay’s confidence continues to grow as she handles getting out her boss’s daily “My Day” messages, keeping track of the calendar, taking notes during meetings, and filling in when ER is needed elsewhere. They have also become competent amateur sleuths.

Josephine Baker is an icon; she aided the French Resistance during World War II and also worked with the British Secret Intelligence Service and the United States. In Miami, she refused to perform for segregated audiences, making her a target for radical groups. It was interesting how she described her life in France as being so freeing and different from her time in the U.S.

The story takes place during a volatile time in history. It’s the era of McCarthyism; racism, segregation, civil rights, women’s rights, corruption, and the KKK. Eleanor, Kay, Josephine, Rosaleen, and Tim navigate their way through it all as they try to pin down the true killer. I enjoy how the author twists together historical facts with a compelling mystery. Sadly, many of those themes are again relevant today.

The mystery is expertly crafted, weaving together multiple storylines that make it much more than a simple whodunit. The plot skillfully incorporates real-world events, with secrets waiting to be uncovered and clues that demand careful attention. Set in a time and place where many secrets remain hidden beneath the surface, the quest for justice becomes a search for truth that gradually brings everything into the light.

Ellen Yardley has penned a convincing fictional mystery entwined with the true history of the time. The characters pull readers deeply into the story, captivating them with unexpected twists and turns, and culminating in a truly dramatic and entertaining conclusion. Eleanor and the South Beach Murders is the second Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery. I encourage you to read Eleanor and the Cold War first for maximum enjoyment. I highly recommend both for fans of historical mysteries and Eleanor Roosevelt.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Tanya-Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are certain premises that feel almost too good to question. Eleanor Roosevelt solving murders in 1950s Miami? Alongside Josephine Baker? I didn’t need convincing.

This is technically the second in a series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone—which is fortunate, because being dropped into a story like this without prior context is part of the fun. We follow Kay, a young and very capable secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt, who finds herself temporarily escaping a New York winter (and a recent breakup) for a UN conference in South Beach. Already a strong setup. It improves significantly when Josephine Baker enters the scene and invites them to a non-segregated nightclub performance, because of course she does.

What follows is part historical fiction, part locked-room mystery, and part “how did Kay end up solving another murder?” The crime itself—set in Baker’s dressing room, with her secretary Rosaleen accused—gives the story a tight, contained structure, while the broader setting introduces heavier themes: racial injustice, KKK activity, and the underbelly of 1950s Miami. It’s not a light backdrop, but it’s handled with enough care to add weight without overwhelming the story.

The real strength here is how seamlessly the book blends real historical figures with fictional elements. Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker don’t feel like gimmicks; they feel integral. Their presence grounds the story, while Kay acts as the accessible lens through which everything unfolds—competent, observant, and just chaotic enough to keep ending up in danger.

There are plenty of twists, enough tension to keep you engaged, and a pacing that makes this very easy to read. It’s not trying to be overly complex or literary—it’s aiming to be smart, entertaining, and just immersive enough to pull you into its world. And it succeeds.

Final verdict:
A genuinely enjoyable historical mystery—clever, well-paced, and elevated by its use of real-life figures who were already more interesting than most fictional characters could hope to be.

Would I recommend it? Yes—especially if you like your mysteries with a side of history and a cast that could outshine the plot if they felt like it.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, High Bridge Audio, and Kensington for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first volume of this cozy mystery series, Eleanor and the Cold War, so I was really pumped that I was able to get the ARC and ALC. This mystery takes place in 1951 in Miami. There are still lingering shadows of WWII. Eleanor in real life, as well as in this book, was way ahead of the curve when it came to racial justice for African Americans. Enter Josephine Baker, the famously risqué performer who was also very active in the desegregation movement, to the point of receiving death threats. Baker actually lived in France but always came back to the United States to do some shows every year.

The story is a great blend of fact and fiction. Ellen Yardly has done a great job balancing the details of Miami in the early 1950s with the brisk pace that leans towards more of a thriller than cozy mystery. I love when historical fiction tackles a subject that is also timely like the systemic prejudice towards people of color. I also loved how the author captured the essence of Eleanor and Josephine, based upon my nonfiction readings of both women.

Narrated by Shiloh James, I thought they did a good job with their inflections to keep the listener engaged. They have a pleasant voice that was made for narrating audiobooks and would listen to something narrated by them again.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kay Thompson is in Miami as 1951 draws to a close. Her boss, Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, is attending a UN conference, but they both find the time to see the international singing star Josephine Baker in her sell-out show at the Copa City Club. Discovering that Ms Baker has been receiving anonymous threats sets Kay and EB, as she's sometimes known, on a search to find the person responsible. Before they can report any progress, Ms Baker's secretary, Rosaleen, is arrested for murder, a crime all three women are sure she didn't commit. Now in a desperate race against time, Kay, Mrs Roosevelt, and ex-LAPD officer Tim O'Malley join forces with Josephine and Rosaleen's boyfriend, Stephen to clear her name but there are dangerous people watching from the sidelines and they don't care how famous or renowned anyone is if they threaten to spoil their plans.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book two in this series is my first experience of this author, and although I'm not a huge fan of rewriting history, the synopsis drew me in, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The historical elements were fascinating, revealing, and in many ways are still depressingly relevant. There are a few minor spoilers from the first story, which I intend to read very soon. If you are happy to accept the factional aspects of an historical novel, I would definitely recommend this very well written and page turning book. I'm already looking forward to book 3.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with the second book in a series is a personality flaw at this point. Did I read Eleanor and the Cold War first? No. Absolutely not. I raw-dogged this series order because NetGalley cannot, apparently, put a giant neon “BOOK TWO” sticker on things. And yet here we are, in 1951 Miami, vibing under palm trees with murder in the air and Eleanor Roosevelt on the case.

First of all, the concept alone is unhinged in the best way. Eleanor Roosevelt. Yes, that Eleanor Roosevelt. Former First Lady. Human rights icon. Probably the only woman in the room with enough moral authority to silence a senator with one raised eyebrow. And she is casually investigating a murder tied to Josephine Baker at the Copa City Club. That is either historical fiction genius or the most ambitious book club pitch of all time. It is, in fact, kind of both.

Kay Thompson, Eleanor’s secretary and our main POV queen, is nursing a breakup from private investigator Tim O’Malley while tagging along to UN engagements in South Beach. Miami in 1951 is all Art Deco sparkle on the surface and segregation rotting underneath, and the book does not shy away from that tension. Josephine Baker is in town, boldly refusing to perform for segregated audiences, which, in that era, is basically painting a target on your back in lipstick. When a dead man shows up in her dressing room and her assistant Rosaleen is arrested, Kay decides, as one does, “Sure, I will personally untangle this conspiracy rooted in racism and post-war paranoia.”

I will say this with love, Kay is a lot. She is earnest. She is driven. She sometimes speaks like she swallowed a 1950s etiquette manual and a civics textbook at the same time. Some of the dialogue leans very proper, very “we are all standing up straight while discussing murder.” If you are allergic to slightly stilted historical banter, you might twitch a little. But I found it weirdly charming in that classic Hollywood way, like everyone is two seconds away from lighting a cigarette and delivering a dramatic monologue about justice.

What absolutely worked for me was the way the mystery unfolds through prejudice and Cold War anxiety. This is not just a “who left a corpse in the dressing room” situation. It is conspiracies. It is reputations. It is the lingering shadow of World War II and the Red Scare creeping into everything. The stakes feel bigger than just one body, and I appreciated that the book lets the ugliness of that era breathe instead of sanding it down into cozy wallpaper.

Now let’s talk audiobook, because Shiloh James did not come to play. The narration adds a layer of polish and personality that genuinely elevates the material. Eleanor’s voice carries this grounded calm authority, while Kay has that slightly breathless, determined energy of a woman who has decided she will solve the murder and possibly her love life at the same time. The emotional beats hit harder in audio. The tension in interrogation scenes, the fear radiating off Rosaleen, even the glamour and steel in Josephine Baker’s presence, all of it feels more immersive. If the dialogue occasionally edges toward formal, the performance smooths it out and makes it feel intentional rather than stiff.

And can we just take a moment for the absolute audacity of pairing Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker in a murder mystery? Two women who actually stood up against injustice in real life, navigating racism, sexism, and political landmines, now wrapped inside a twisty whodunit. It is catnip for history nerds who also want a dramatic final reveal that makes you sit up straighter in your car because you missed your exit while listening.

The romance subplot with Tim O’Malley simmers in the background, adding just enough emotional mess without hijacking the plot. You can tell this is book two because there is history there, some lingering tension and growth that probably lands deeper if you did your homework and read book one like a responsible adult. Could I feel that I skipped a chapter of their emotional saga? Yes. Did that stop me? Obviously not.

The final solution goes full drama, and I respect it. We are not doing a quiet shrug of a reveal. We are doing capital R Reveal. Motives untangled. Secrets exposed. Justice pursued with righteous 1950s fervor. It is theatrical in a way that feels right for a story set in a glittering club with a global superstar at its center.

Overall, this is a solid 3.5 stars for me. Smart premise, rich historical detail, a mystery that keeps you engaged, and an audiobook performance that genuinely boosts the experience. It is not flawless. Kay might test your patience depending on your tolerance for prim determination. But the ambition, the setting, and the sheer power-woman energy make it worth the ride.

Whodunity Award: For Turning South Beach Glamour Into a High Stakes Civics Lesson With a Body in the Dressing Room

And a giant, dramatic, slightly sweaty thank you to HighBridge and NetGalley for the ALC. Nothing like getting to time travel to 1951 Miami while folding laundry and pretending you too are morally superior and solving crimes with Eleanor Roosevelt. We love an educational glow up.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first mystery in this series opened one of my favorite new series in 2025. This second mystery was even better! In both, I learned much about ER, as she was called in the White House. This former First Lady was a well-known Human Rights activist. She was a delegate to the United Nations and active in the AAUN (American Association for the United Nations). In her role as FDR’s wife and First Lady, she had travelled around the country by car as his eyes and ears for the people he served.

The violence of the “Florida Terror” in 1951 against Black and Jewish people, and the murders of Harry and Harriette Moore, early leaders of the Civil Rights movement, immediately precede the opening of this novel. The KKK was entrenched in many states, and its members included community leaders, cops, politicians, and even former WWII German officers.

I appreciated ER’s wisdom in the quotes of her writings that open each chapter. I loved learning more about this brilliant and highly respected lady. I knew little about Eleanor Roosevelt before, so this series has whetted my desire to learn more about her. The author includes real events and people, and identifies the fictional people.

ER and her young secretary, Kay, were in Miami the last week of December, 1951, where Mrs. Roosevelt attended a conference for the AAUN. They were invited to attend a performance of Josephine Davis, a popular performer and activist. Josephine, a Black woman, endured much for her devotion to human rights and desegregation. Rosaleen, a younger black woman and Josephine’s assistant, traveled with her. Rosaleen took hiatus from law school long enough to earn money for her second-year studies.

Rosaleen talked with Eleanor and Kay the next morning. Someone had been leaving threatening notes under Josephine’s dressing room door. Eleanor called their friend, a private investigator in Washington, to help protect them and look into the threats. Tim, Kay’s ex-boyfriend, would arrive the next morning.

As Josephine and Rosaleen left that night, Rosaleen forgot her purse, and ran back inside. Moments after entering the dressing room, a gunshot exploded behind her. Josephine ran inside. The security guard found Rosaleen, locked inside the dressing room, with Mr. Miller, a murdered white man. The police did not believe that a Black woman didn’t do it. When she entered the dressing room, Mr. Miller was already inside. Someone behind her shot Miller, tossed the gun in, and locked the door. Josephine and Isaac, a longtime fan, knew Mr. Miller was a German officer who had been in charge at the death camp where Isaac’s entire family had been murdered.

Kay and Tim searched for the killer. Kay even spied on suspects. They tried to put together pieces from what seemed like several different puzzles with Eleanor’s help. The police believed they solved the murder.

This mystery was complex, with strong protagonists and twists that brought to light many motives and suspects. Nobody was who they seemed to be. Characters wore many masks. And hoods. While I loved reading the real events, there were things in our history after WWII that I’d rather have not known; but the past can be a priceless teacher. The ending was very satisfying, and I am looking forward to the next mystery that Eleanor and Kay encounter. I highly recommend this mystery, and series!

Many thanks to the publisher, Kensington, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[boogleloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars: This Yardley's second entry in the Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery set in Florida, 1951. Featuring former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's secretary as she joins forces with her boss, Mrs R, and her former flame, a private investigator, to sleuth out who left a dead man in singer Josephine Baker's dressing room. It seems the singer's bold stand against segregation has made her a target and when her assistant's arrested for the murder the trio work to exonerate her and uncover the true culprit. Despite facing conspiracies and prejudices that reach into the darkest corners of American society still haunted by WWII, they'll have to work fast to untangle this deadly international mystery before more than just legacies are on the line but their very lives.

With plenty of twists and turns, Yardley has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in dual POV (the secretary's the main POV with the occasional POV from Roosevelt), Yardley's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. Yardley's historical research is evident and well done without overshadowing the mystery plot while providing a great sense of time and place.

Yardley takes on some very sensitive issues; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Eleanor and the Cold War.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my normal sort of book, as not really into historical mysteries but something about this book grabbed my attention and I gave it ago. So glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
I don't know much about American history but of course everybody has heard about Franklin Roosevelt and I googled Eleanor so I had a picture of her in my mind as I listened. I don't know if the author based any of the story on true facts or not but it was a real eye opener as to what life was like back then, especially for coloured people. The story was well written and easy to imagine as it unfolded. I liked the characters but did wish the author has used different names because I struggled slightly with keeping the similar sounding names of Josephine and Rosaleen straight. The mystery was good and stayed entertaining as Kay and Eleanor worked out who was responsible, let's just say it was a good they were on the case and not me. I would definitely listen to another book in this series and might even branch out and try another historical mystery.
The former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt has a number of speaking engagements as she tries to end segregation and travels to Miami. There she and her faithful assistant Kay met Josephine Baker a famous singer. Josephine has faced her own problems and controversy, which includes threatening letters and threats her life but none are as bad as her assistant being found standing over a dead man in a locked room. With Rosaleen possible facing the death penalty for killing a white man, Kay and Eleanor can't help but investigation. Especially with the police reluctant to investigate any further. and despite them learning the dead man wasn't who he said he was, it only makes the police even more convinced they have the right person. Can Eleanor and Kay find the real killer before it's too late?
I liked the narrator. She made the story interesting by providing different voices For the characters and even tried her hand at an accent.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the first book in this series, just wait until you find out where Kay Thompson and Eleanor Roosevelt are sent next in this exciting historical mystery.

Eleanor Roosevelt and her assistant Kay Thompson are in Miami, Florida for a United Nations conference when they meet and befriend the famous Josephine Baker. After one of her shows, someone is found murdered in her dressing room and Josephine’s assistant is targeted as the killer. While Florida remains heavily segregated, Eleanor and Kay chip in to help Josephine free her assistant, Rosaleen, which includes enlisting the help of former detective O’Malley. As they work together to find the killer many secrets are revealed and the body count begins to pile up. Eleanor, Kay, and Tim must race against the clock to free Josephine’s assistant before they become the next victims.

This book had all the intrigue and pomp that followed the international superstar, Josephine Baker. The plot was riveting, involving several deaths, clandestine work, the push to end segregation, and shady wartime secrets. Of course this book would not be as delicious if it did not include the complex relationship of Tim O’Malley and Kay Thompson, whose personal connection made their next case awkward. The two work so well together alongside Mrs. R. I adore this series and am so glad to have found it. If you are a fan of Eleanor Roosevelt and enjoy a good whodunnit with references to Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie, you will love this book.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady to President Franklin D. Roosevelt is back on a case with her secretary, Kay Thompson, in the second installment in the exciting new historical mystery series. Eleanor and the South Beach Murders takes place in post WWII 1951 Miami during the "Red Scare" and Cold War period. I was excited to read this period piece--- it lived up to my expectations .

When Eleanor and Kay meet the famous entertainer, Josephine Baker things really heat up. She needs help with a problem and Eleanor is willing to help. Eleanor is also playing matchmaker with Kay in mind---as well as speaking at a UN conference. When Josephine's assistant is framed for murder, Kay finds herself deluged with leads and danger.

I especially enjoyed the mix of real-life 1950s attitudes and the struggle those affected,(women and people of color}, faced. It makes me more appreciative of the advances made since then---even though there is still a long way to go. The true facts and people woven into the story were a bonus for me, a history lover. The author's notes are informative and interesting.

I recommend this book to others who enjoy history and mystery with a dash of romance. I do look forward to the next book in this historical mystery series. Thank you to #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #Historical Thriller #EleanorRooseveltMystery @EllenYardley

[Rune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy of this work in audio book format free of charge from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

As always with Audio books I will start off by saying the narration is well done though at times I did get slightly confused at times when all the ladies spoke. It felt like at times the Narrator would start speaking like one character and just forget that they needed to use another voice.

I love a good mystery and when its set at such an intresting time in history sign me up! I will be honest I don't know much about The Cold war or why it happened. I knew at this point that america was dealing with segregation and that the KKK were on the rise. With this read I learned more about that time, our one time 1st Lady Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and the famous singer Josephine Baker.

Kay Thompson is a wonderful character, She's bright and sassy and knows what she wants. The story is entertaining, informative and emotional. The mystery is very well written and as always I never guessed who actually commited the murder.

All in all a very good read perfect for a lazy sunday afternoon.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
Eleanor and the South Beach Murders is the second title in Ellen Yardley’s Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery series, featuring Eleanor and her secretary, Kay Thompson. Home from the initial United Nations meetings in Paris, where Eleanor was influential in creating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Eleanor and Kay land in Miami where Eleanor will be meeting with the young delegates of the American Association for the United Nations(AAUN). Unfortunately, high ranking members of the KKK are also meeting in Miami, which in 1951 has had more of its own share of segregation problems. A meeting with black chanteuse, Josephine Baker and her assistant Rosaleen Davis reveal their strong feelings about segregation, the KKK and Josephine’s surprising role as a spy for the Allies during the war. Later a prominent KKK member is murdered in Josephine’s dressing room and Rosaleen is the only other person in the locked room. Proving Rosaleen innocence becomes the prime goal for Eleanor, Kay and Josephine What results is a good balance of fiction, mystery and historical facts of the early 1950s. Thank you Ellen Yardley for the Arc copy.

[Jess Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, mysteries, Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker, so I figured this mystery was right in my wheelhouse. What a fun read!

I loved how Ellen Yardley had so many strong women in one storyline (real and fictional) and was able to really bring to life such incredibly accomplished women.

When a man is found dead in Josephine Baker’s dressing room and her assistant is the only person present with the door locked, Eleanor Roosevelt, her assistant Kay and Josephine Baker set to work to figure out the truth. This story brought together so many amazing aspects of these women’s careers - from their stand against segregation, their fights against injustice in all forms, their courageousness, and their extraordinary war efforts.

This book touches on hope, equality, strength, wisdom and so much more! Such a fun read and great historical fiction mystery.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing for an ARC

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor and the South Beach Murders by Ellen Yardley is a 1950’s mystery that drops you straight into the neon glow and tension of Cold War era Miami. Beneath all the glitz, there’s a darker side…art deco streets, segregated clubs, and the lingering shadow of World War II. Kay Thompson, Eleanor Roosevelt’s sharp and resourceful assistant, heads south for UN events, and little escape from a messy breakup. She then lands in the middle of a murder tied to none other than Josephine Baker. When Baker’s assistant Rosaleen is arrested for the crime, Kay can’t resist diving into an investigation. A clever and atmospheric whodunit that’s perfect for anyone who loves historical mysteries with bold female sleuths!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this mystery series and now need to read biographies of Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker because I want to know more about their lives. Kay is a great character and this book continues to show her growth and development as she views Eleanor as a role model. I enjoy the chapters from the viewpoint of Eleanor as she tries to decide what to do or say in various situations. Kay seems to be becoming more of a partner than a sidekick/secretary and they make a great crime-solving team. The text could sometimes be a bit repetitive in reviewing information we already read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy. I can't wait for the next one.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am slow to find this series and completely missed book #1, but I wasn't lost, so dont worry. I love the fact that Eleanor participated in this kind of adventure and having read many books about her, I can see her enjoying this too. I mean Eleanor in a cozy mystery! Come on! It is brilliant.

This book finds Eleanor and her companion, Kay, struggling to find a suspect and thinking it could be one of their friends. They hang out with many folks, including Josephine Baker. I loved having her here too. She is right there in the middle of everything.

The setting is easy to picture, post War Miami with Art Deco buildings and hip night clubs.

This was a fun read and a nice way to have a few relaxing moments after a stressful week at work. Now I have to go find book #1.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor and the South Beach Murders is book 2 in the Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery series by Ellen Yardley. I found the historical aspect of the story interesting, set in 1951 Miami, dealing with some very tough subjects such as racism and segregation. After a friend is accused of murder, Eleanor and her secretary, Kay, work to solve the mystery. There were lots of twists and turns and a surprise at the end I did not see coming. I recommend the book for those who enjoy historical fiction and stories depicting strong, courageous women from our history who are not afraid to stand up for the rights of others.

[Barbara Mates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, well researched historical mystery featuring Eleanor Roosevelt and Kay Thompson her secretary, who, while at an UN function in Miami solve a complicated murder in which Josephine Baker plays a part. The reader gets the feel of 50's Miami with the blatant prejudice and violence perpetrated by the KKK amongest warm sunshine and sandy beaches and the sheer determination of people like Mrs. Roosevelt, Kay, Josephine and a cadre of like minded people to stop the injustice.
Thanks to the publisher for this ARC . This is my honest take on the novel.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this Arc from publisher. It is the 2nd book in the series.

The summary intrigued me with Eleanor Roosevelt as a main character however, the antics she & her secretary find themselves in is a bit far-fetched.

I did like the fact that both Eleanor and Josephine were portrayed as strong & capable women and were uplifting to other women in the story.

It was a bit disturbing that a young black woman was arrested for a crime, which evidence proved she could not be the killer, but yet she was still kept in jail.

I might read 1st book in the series.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

1951: Kay seeks refuge from heartbreak while accompanying her boss, Eleanor Roosevelt, to Miami. But the glamorous escape takes a dark turn when Josephine Baker's assistant is framed for murder. Can they unravel a web of conspiracies and prejudices to expose the true killer?

This book is so much fun! I love the historical setting and characters, and how segregation issues were woven into the story without dominating it. The mystery was intriguing and full of twists.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book (and the series in general) is a paradox for me: I don't like Kay Thompson, Eleanor Roosevelt's secretary, whose viewpoint is primary. I also feel like Yardley's admiration of Eleanor portrays her as too perfect. But in spite of this, once again I enjoyed the mystery and the historical details. I learned a lot about Josephine Baker.

Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved absolutely everything about this! A locked room mystery with Eleanor Roosevelt and Josephine Baker, two fascinating women championing world peace and the end of segregation in 1951 Miami.

The historical details were incredible and timely. It had so many interesting connections from Nazi’s rebranding into the KKK and segregation in Miami. This story was a treat and a balm for my spirit!

I hope for many more books in this series!

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason, this book just didn’t fully grab me the way the first one did. I liked the setting and the historical information, and Josephine Baker is a fascinating person. I mostly enjoyed it, but the character Kay’s worship of Eleanor Roosevelt continues to be irritating, and at some point there were too many characters and accusations and murders intertwined. It was a good read, if not my favorite of her books.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series just isn’t for me. I enjoyed the historical aspect but Kay got on my nerves. All of the conversation was stilted and unnatural. Even the addition of Josephine Baker, who is fascinating, couldn’t help as her conversation was just as inane. Historical fiction fans will love this; I just couldn’t get into it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book to read! I loved it being back in the 50’s . It has the twist and turns with a mystery that any mystery cozy readers will love!

[Patricia Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery very much. I enjoyed the insights into Eleanor Roosevelt's beliefs and the storyline was excellent. It did have a surprising twist at the end as well.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

An appropriate second chapter in a continuing series. I have read and reviewed this story but may not post my review until after it has been published in the Historical Novel Review, Spring 2026.